Problem Solvers

PROBLEM. I want to replace a dead birch tree with a Franklinia. Is Hampton Roads, or specifically, Hampton, a good place for growing this tree? -- Michael Holter, e-mail

SOLUTION. Here's what several gardeners say about this gorgeous but temperamental tree:

* I tried one and lost it. While technically it should grow here, it is harder to establish than many trees. You may want to try a Stewartia (bears white flowers resembling single camellias in June, and turns a reddish purple in fall) if it's the summers you want. -- Bonnie Appleton, Virginia Tech horticulture professor at Virginia Beach research and extension center and Norfolk gardener

* Franklinia can be difficult to grow because its root system is rather sparse. This makes the tree difficult to transplant, so it's best to select young specimens for success. Also, the tree is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamoni, which causes the dreaded wilt often associated with camellias.

Franklinia is in the same family as the camellia and likewise prefers a well-drained, acidic, humus-rich soil. It tolerates sun and shade, but benefits from some shade in our area.

A related species that looks similar is Gordonia; however, it can still be difficult to grow.

Select a more reliable replacement such as Sweet Bay Magnolia, which has a similar effect, without all of the trouble. -- Jeffrey Williamson, nursery manager, Smithfield Gardens, 238-2511

* When I ordered my Franklinia from Fairweather Gardens two years ago, the mail-order catalog warned me it could never, ever dry out.

Franklinia alatamaha, commonly called the Franklin tree, was originally collected in southern Georgia on the banks of the Altamaha River in the 18th century. It was found by John and William Bartram of Philadelphia, and they named the tree in honor of their friend Benjamin Franklin.

Heeding the never-dry-out warning, I planted my Franklinia where it gets some morning sun and afternoon shade. It grows along a slight slope where moisture tends to always run downward, keeping the plant moist, even during drought, but never soggy.

So far, my Franklinia fares fine, and I continue to keep my fingers crossed that it will live with me a long time. -- Kathy Van Mullekom, Daily Press